Anger to Arms

Saturday’s terrible tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, may not be the coincidence we had first thought. It is the sad result of the “fear no man” culture, which is a perversion of freedom of expression to the point where any discussion, any argument is allowed in the pursuit of objectives, political or otherwise. Unfortunately, it is necessary that the blood be spilled for a society to acknowledge this fact, and we must restart the debate … until the next tragedy occurs.

Among the victims were Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a federal judge who came to greet her and a nine-year-old girl who, as a disturbing coincidence, was born on Sept. 11, 2001.

Even if the gunman’s motives are not yet known, it is undeniable that the current toxic atmosphere of the American political jousting serves as a backdrop to such senseless acts of unstable, dangerous or mentally disturbed individuals. The Pima County sheriff stated: “The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous, and unfortunately, Arizona has become … the capital. We have become the mecca for prejudice and bigotry.” He also invited people to do some soul-searching following this shooting.

Giffords, the Democratic representative, was among 20 Democratic lawmakers targeted by “rifle sights” on a U.S. map posted on a Facebook page for Sarah Palin, the conservative tea party movement figurehead and Fox News political commentator, who is strongly identified with the American right. Last June, Giffords’ opponent had organized a meeting of M16 rifle gunmen during his campaign. It is not surprising that tortured rhetoric such as this can make its way into the minds of certain people who are as twisted, and this is where alienation can easily occur at any time.

We can observe that — more in the U.S. rather than here in Canada — the debate on violence and polarization of political discussion is only beginning; however, the prospect of change, even in the short term, is not even remotely encouraging. Since a firearm culture is being transmitted almost by osmosis into political culture, we are almost being exposed to such tragedies in a very natural way. Calls for tolerance and reason often only last until tempers flare up again as a result of another speech or inflammatory remark.

It feels in some way like these tragedies are calling out to us. Arizona is now at the epicenter of scathing and acrimonious debates concerning immigration and health reform. Although every society has its own debates to deliberate, its own demons to fight, they all have their own similar fight, like in Arizona. It is our responsibility — and that of our leader, as well — to ensure that exchange is motivated by the common good and not by the idea of defeating adversaries of the political game, where every shot, even the lowest, is allowed.